Aston Villa We are beginning to seriously prepare for the possibility of losing Emiliano Martínez this summer. Nevertheless, there is still no certainty as to where the Argentina international will end.
The goalkeeper's future has been surrounded by increasing speculation for months. Saudi Arabia looms in the background, and we've covered it recently Argentina signing is a dream.
Martínez still has a contract until 2029. However, Villa's recruitment department is already focusing on what the next move could look like.
according to foot marketThe Premier League side have now identified two of Ligue 1's most highly-rated young goalkeepers as potential successors. They are RC Lens' Robin Risser and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.
It appears that Villa's recruitment team are moving strongly into the French market. However, behind the scenes the two situations are viewed very differently.
Riser is attracting huge attention
Robin Risser has emerged as one of the revelations of the Ligue 1 season after joining Lens from Strasbourg last summer.
The 21-year-old previously impressed on loan at Red Star in Ligue 2. He has quickly built a strong reputation at the top level. Foot Mercato state Aston Villa are one of the clubs following him after a campaign that has brought 10 clean sheets and conceded just 33 goals.
His rise has extended beyond club football. According to the French outlet, Riser is regularly monitored by Didier Deschamps' staff. His name is already doing the rounds around the senior France setup.
That growing reputation poses a problem for Aston Villa. Lens have been described as reluctant sellers, while Fut Mercato claim it would be a completely extravagant offer to force the French club to negotiate.
Transfermarkt currently values Riser at €25m (£21.4m), although Lens will surely demand more.
Goalkeeper has already been added tottenham and newcastle Interest in the Premier League has been growing steadily in recent months.
However, the player himself has Hinted that he is not pushing for XITea. When Riser was recently asked about his future, he said: "I don't think I've reached the end of my journey here."
Restes may offer a simple solution
Guillaume Restes is seen differently. The Toulouse goalkeeper is the same age as Risser, but has more senior experience than ever before. He has played over 100 professional matches, including 95 Ligue 1 matches.
That experience has already made him one of the most celebrated young goalkeepers in France. He was also part of Thierry Henry's Olympic team that won the silver medal at the 2024 Games.
Foot Mercato suggests this deal could be easier and quicker to complete for Aston Villa than a Risser move. Toulouse are seen as more open to the possibility of a major sale, especially if Restes decides the time is right to leave his boyhood club.
Transfermarket values the goalkeeper at €18m (£15.4m).
what happens next
The contradiction between the two goals is already clear.
Riser is the breakout name. However, her rising profile and lens stance make her a difficult operation.
Restes brings more experience and could represent a more realistic market opportunity for Aston Villa if movement around Martínez accelerates in the coming weeks.
